I'm writing this in a car back from Hood River where today we did 6 miles up Bald Butte on snowshoes. snowshoes are a bit of the red-headed stepchild of the outdoors scene. A lot of people poo-poo it because they don't have that cool factor. But it's great exercise, and some trails are just made for snowshoes. It's perfect when there's som slight elevation gain or loss and the snow is either fluffy or icy. Sometimes it's too slick to walk and too steep to cross country ski. One thing I've learned about snowshoes is that it's worth it to get a nice pair. Sometimes people are surprised by how much they cost. They seem simple. But a good pair gives you two things: lower weight, and better straps. Every pound on your feet is like 5 pounds on your back, so shaving weight off your feet is worth it. And straps are important; my biggest complaint about snowshoes is that they come off your feet, and always at the most inopportune times. Much like cross country skiing you get to see some amazing vistas; but unlike skiing they can be on top of a mountain!
